K-5 Science Deep Dive Webinar Series
Spark Ideas, Strengthen Manuscripts, Enrich Curriculum Guides & Enhance School Visits
For authors, agents, editors,
marketers, and book sellers
Tuesdays, September 30th – October 28th
9 am PDT/10 am MDT/11 am CDT/12 pm EDT
Over the past decade, K-5 science instruction has experienced seismic shifts. Gone are the days of baking soda volcanoes, Power Point lectures, and memorizing vocabulary lists.
In this five part webinar series, designed specifically for the Kidlit community, you will examine essential elements of elementary science instruction and apply new learning to your manuscripts, curriculum guides, and school visits.
You will benefit from the same cutting-edge, research-based content that I teach elementary educators, but modified to meet the unique needs of Kidlit creators.
Each 90 minute webinar is offered individually for $25 or invest in all five for $100. Webinar recordings will be available to registered participants for 30 days.
Come learn how to strengthen your partnership with educators and deepen your positive impact on young readers.
Who Should Attend:
Authors, agents, editors, marketers, and book sellers who champion nonfiction and STEM-themed fiction require this “science knowledge refresh” to refine manuscripts, curriculum guides, author presentations, back matter, and marketing messages to meet the current needs of elementary teachers and students.
In all sessions, you will:
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apply what you learn to your books, manuscripts, guides, and visit plans
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receive resources to support your next steps (question lists, prompts, etc.)
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receive personal feedback during the session (if time allows or via email after)
Step One: Register for each webinar separately.
(Pay in Step Two below. $25 per webinar or $100 for all 5. )
Your information will not be shared with any outside party. Future webinar offerings will be emailed. (Opt-out if you wish.)
Science and Engineering Practices in Action
Tuesday, September 30th
9 am PDT/10 am MDT/11 am CDT/12 pm EDT
The scientific method is no more! Come learn about the science and engineering practices (S&EP) and how you can model for children what scientists and engineers actually do.
You will discover:
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the complex meaning of each S&EP
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mentor texts for each S&EP
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how to identify the best S&EP for a picture book
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how to write S&EP questions for children
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when to ask S&EP questions during read alouds
This webinar is now available as a replay and will be emailed if you register and pay individually or for all five.
Crosscutting Concepts: A Framework for Curiosity
Tuesday, October 7th
9 am PDT/10 am MDT/11 am CDT/12 pm EDT
Learn how scientists talk about their discoveries and how you can share this special language with children.
You will discover:
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the complex meaning of each CCC
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mentor texts for each CCC
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how to identify the best CCC for a picture book
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how to write CCC questions for children
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when to ask CCC questions during read alouds
This webinar is now available as a replay and will be emailed if you register and pay individually or for all five.
Curriculum Guide Guru
Tuesday, October 14th
9 am PDT/10 am MDT/11 am CDT/12 pm EDT
Master the art of crafting curriculum guide activities that excite students, complement curriculum, and blast busy work into the past.
You will discover:
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the difference between an activity, an investigation, and a craft
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activity types and when to include them
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one activity every curriculum guide should include
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five red flags to avoid when sharing STEM challenges
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how to integrate your book into classroom routines
This webinar is now available as a replay and will be emailed if you register and pay individually or for all five.
Discover The Nature of Science
Tuesday, October 21st
9 am PDT/10 am MDT/11 am CDT/12 pm EDT
Learn the eight major themes of the nature of science (NOS) and how your books can help students discover what science IS.
You will discover:
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why most children (and adults!) don’t understand what science IS
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the eight major themes of the NOS and why they are important
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picture book examples for each NOS theme
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how you can emphasize the NOS in your manuscripts and curriculum guides
Science Talk Boot Camp
Tuesday, October 28th
9 am PDT/10 am MDT/11 am CDT/12 pm EDT
Craft questions that entice participation and facilitate discussions where children take the lead in this interactive workshop.
You will discover and practice how to:
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ask productive questions that are inclusive and encourage critical thinking
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facilitate engaging, child-centered discussions
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use talk moves that encourage all children to participate
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avoid “shut-down” responses that discourage discussion
Step Two: Pay $25 for each webinar or $100 for all five.
Please use your preferred payment method below.
About the Presenter
Emily Starr is a former fourth grade teacher turned entrepreneur. For more than two decades, she has worked with experts, authors, and educators to develop award-winning science curriculum and professional development resources for her STEM publishing company, StarrMatica. She conducts professional development for the State of Iowa as a member of the Iowa State Science Leadership Team, teaches a variety of online courses, and is a peer reviewer for the National Science Teaching Association’s journal Science and Children.
Emily wrote and served as principal investigator for five highly competitive Small Business Innovation Research grants focused on elementary science instruction. She has received the Prometheus Award, District Administration’s Top Products Award, and the Iowa Entrepreneur of the Year Award. She presents at state and national conferences, including NSTA, where she teaches educators to incorporate scientific thinking and an engineering mindset into daily classroom routines using nonfiction picture books.
Emily’s debut middle grade nonfiction book will be released in 2026 from the Iowa Ag Literacy Foundation. She shares ideas and inspiration for elementary educators on StarrMatica’s blog, contributes to From the Mixed-Up Files of Middle-Grade Authors blog, and is a member of the STEM Tuesday team.
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